Netflix is diving deep into psychological storytelling with its upcoming Korean drama Notes from the Last Row, and this one is already turning heads — mainly because it marks Choi Min-sik’s intense return to long-form drama. Blending literary obsession, power dynamics, and human ambition, the series promises a slow-burn psychological clash between a disillusioned professor and a gifted student who sits quietly in the last row.

Dark, cerebral, and character-driven, this drama feels tailor-made for viewers who love layered narratives and unsettling emotional tension.

Quick Drama Facts

• Drama Title: Notes from the Last Row
• Korean Title: 맨 끝줄 소년
• Genre: Psychological, Suspense, Drama
• Episodes: 6
• Streaming Platform: Netflix
• Release Window: 2026
• Director: Kim Gyu-tae
• Writer: Jang Myung-woo
• Production Companies: Kakao Entertainment, GTist
• Based On: A critically acclaimed Spanish stage play

Plot Summary

Heo Mun-oh is a once-promising writer who now lives with the quiet bitterness of unfulfilled dreams. Currently working as a Korean literature professor, he has lost his passion for both teaching and writing — until he notices something unusual.

In the very last row of his classroom sits Lee Kang, an engineering student with a rare and powerful talent for writing. Intrigued by Lee Kang’s raw ability, Mun-oh begins mentoring him privately. What starts as guidance soon evolves into a psychologically charged relationship fueled by admiration, jealousy, and unresolved ambition.

As the professor becomes increasingly obsessed with his student’s potential — and what it represents — the line between mentor and manipulator begins to blur. The story unfolds as a tense exploration of ego, envy, creativity, and the dangerous cost of living through someone else’s talent.

Cast & Characters

Choi Min-sik as Heo Mun-oh

A failed novelist turned literature professor, Mun-oh is sharp, cynical, and emotionally volatile. His fascination with Lee Kang reignites his buried dreams — and his darkest insecurities.

Choi Hyun-wook as Lee Kang

A quiet engineering student who hides exceptional writing skills behind his reserved nature. His talent becomes both a gift and a burden as he’s drawn into Mun-oh’s world.

Huh Joon-ho as Kim Su-hun

A successful writer and Mun-oh’s former friend. He represents the life and recognition Mun-oh never achieved.

Kim Yunjin as Ahn Eun-joo

Su-hun’s elegant and composed wife, whose presence subtly influences the power dynamics between the characters.

Jin Kyung as Jo Hyeon-suk

Mun-oh’s wife and a psychologist, offering emotional insight into her husband’s unraveling psyche.

Notes from the Last Row isn’t a flashy romance or fast-paced thriller — it’s a psychological character study that thrives on tension, silence, and emotional conflict. With Choi Min-sik leading the cast and a short six-episode format, the drama feels sharp, intentional, and deeply unsettling in the best way.

If you enjoy dramas that question ambition, morality, and the cost of creative obsession, this Netflix original deserves a spot on your must-watch list for 2026.